The Ultimate Guide to Bolt Charts for Flanges

Flanges may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of industrial equipment; however, they are essential to ensure lots of things work well and don’t cause problems. Bolting these flanges together is essential, and that’s where bolt charts come into play.

In this straightforward guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about understanding bolt charts for flanges without getting too technical.


What are flanges, and why do they matter?

First things first, let’s understand what flanges are. Flanges are like the connectors that join different parts of a system, such as pipes, valves, or equipment, securely. They find usage in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical, and manufacturing. Flanges create a tight seal to prevent leaks and allow for easy maintenance.

So, why are flanges so important? Imagine if you had a leaking pipe in your home — it would be a disaster, right? The same goes for industries; a leaking flange can lead to costly downtime, safety hazards, and environmental damage.

Basics of bolted flange joints

To keep those flanges tight and leak-free, we use bolts. A bolted flange joint consists of two flanges, a gasket between them, and a specific number of bolts to hold everything together. The gasket is crucial because it helps create a seal between the flanges.

What’s a bolt chart?

A bolt chart is like a cheat sheet that tells you exactly how many bolts you need and what size they should be for a specific flange. It simplifies the process and helps ensure a proper seal. These charts follow industry standards, such as ASME B16.5 and ASME B16.47, which provide guidelines for flange and bolt dimensions.

Understanding bolt size and quantity

Now, let’s talk about bolt size. Bolt size is determined based on the flange’s size and class. A larger flange will require larger bolts. The bolt chart will specify the flange bolt size needed for each flange, taking the guesswork out of the equation.

The quantity of bolts is equally essential. The chart will tell you how many bolts are needed to fasten the flanges securely. There are too few bolts, and the connection won’t be secure; too many, and it might be overkill. Bolt charts provide that perfect balance.

Bolt torque and tension

Proper bolt torque is essential to ensure a tight seal between the flanges. Torque refers to the amount of force needed to tighten the bolt. The right torque ensures that the gasket gets compressed just enough to create a seal. The bolt chart often includes recommended torque values, so you don’t have to do any guesswork.

Bolt tension is another important factor. It measures how stretched or tight the bolt is. Achieving the correct tension is vital, as it directly affects the performance of the flange joint. Again, the bolt chart comes to the rescue by providing tension values.

Click on this link to get more details about flange bolting.

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